Are you starting a new construction project and wondering which sealant to choose? Many professionals find themselves weighing DOWSIL 790 against DOWSIL 795, both renowned for their quality and reliability in high-performance sealants.
But which one is right for your specific needs? We’re here to help you understand the differences and similarities between these two popular options.
Whether your focus is on durability, functionality, or aesthetic appeal, getting to know DOWSIL 790 and DOWSIL 795 is crucial for making the best decision for your project.
What is DOWSIL 790?
DOWSIL 790 is a one-component, high-performance silicone building sealant. Primarily used for exterior sealing applications, it is known for its exceptional durability and flexibility.
This sealant boasts excellent adhesion to various building materials, including masonry, brick, granite, concrete, and metal.
Key features of DOWSIL 790 include its superb weathering resistance and ability to accommodate significant movement due to temperature changes.
It’s also commonly used in dynamic joint applications, such as expansion joints, where a strong bond and flexibility are essential.
DOWSIL 790’s formulation also ensures low VOC emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice in the sealant market.
What is DOWSIL 795?
DOWSIL 795, similarly, is a one-component silicone sealant, but it’s primarily engineered for structural glazing and weatherproofing applications.
Its formulation allows for excellent adhesion to glass, aluminum, and other non-porous surfaces, making it ideal for curtain walls, storefronts, and glass-to-glass joints.
DOWSIL 795 stands out for its high tensile and tear strength and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, including UV radiation, ozone, and extreme temperatures.
It also exhibits superb long-term elasticity and flexibility, crucial for maintaining the integrity of structural glazing systems.
Additionally, it’s recognized for its ease of application and smooth finish, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in construction projects.
How are they different?
• Composition: DOWSIL 790 is specifically formulated for masonry and concrete applications, whereas DOWSIL 795 is optimized for glass and metal surfaces.
• Application Flexibility: DOWSIL 790 offers broader application flexibility and is suitable for various substrates, while DOWSIL 795 is more specialized for structural glazing.
• Weather Resistance: Both sealants offer excellent weather resistance, but DOWSIL 795 has enhanced capabilities for withstanding UV radiation and extreme temperatures.
• Adhesion Properties: DOWSIL 795 exhibits stronger adhesion to non-porous surfaces like glass and metal than DOWSIL 790.
• Aesthetic Finish: DOWSIL 795 typically provides a smoother finish, making it preferable for visible applications like glass façades.
• Elasticity and Flexibility: While both are flexible, DOWSIL 795 has a higher tensile strength, making it more suitable for high-stress structural applications.
How are they similar?
• Silicone-Based Composition: DOWSIL 790 and 795 are silicone-based sealants, offering excellent durability and flexibility.
• One-Component System: They are both one-component systems, simplifying the application process.
• Weathering Resistance: Both sealants offer strong resistance to weathering, including rain, wind, and temperature changes.
• UV Resistance: Both are formulated to resist degradation from UV exposure, ensuring longevity.
• Eco-Friendliness: They emit low VOCs, aligning with environmental sustainability standards.
• Movement Accommodation: Both can accommodate significant joint movement, making them suitable for dynamic joints.
What’s better about DOWSIL 790?
DOWSIL 790 excels in masonry and concrete applications due to its exceptional adhesion properties to these materials.
Its flexibility and ability to absorb significant joint movements make it ideal for expansion joints and similar dynamic applications.
DOWSIL 790’s strong resistance to weathering, particularly in harsh environmental conditions, ensures long-term durability.
This sealant is also noted for its eco-friendly profile, emitting lower VOCs, which is increasingly important in green building projects.
Furthermore, its versatility across various substrates makes it a go-to choice for multiple applications, providing reliability and performance in diverse sealing tasks.
What’s better about DOWSIL 795?
DOWSIL 795 stands out for its specialized application in structural glazing and weatherproofing. Its superior adhesion to glass and aluminum makes it the preferred choice for curtain walls and glass façade applications.
The high tensile and tear strength of DOWSIL 795 ensures that it can withstand the stresses encountered in structural glazing, maintaining the integrity and safety of the installation.
Additionally, its resistance to extreme weather conditions, including high UV exposure, preserves its functionality and appearance.
The smooth, aesthetically pleasing finish of DOWSIL 795 enhances the visual appeal of architectural projects, making it a favorite for visible, high-profile installations.
Who should get DOWSIL 790 (and why)?
Professionals working on projects involving concrete, masonry, or other porous substrates should opt for DOWSIL 790. Its strong adhesion to these materials and its ability to handle dynamic joint movement makes it ideal for sealing expansion joints, perimeter caulking around windows, and other similar applications.
DOWSIL 790’s resilience in diverse environmental conditions also suits projects exposed to harsh weather. Additionally, its eco-friendly properties align with green building practices, making it suitable for projects aiming for environmental certifications or compliance with sustainability standards.
Who should get DOWSIL 795 (and why)?
DOWSIL 795 is the go-to sealant for structural glazing and architectural glass application specialists. Its superior adhesion to non-porous surfaces like glass and aluminum, combined with high tensile strength, makes it ideal for curtain walls, glass façades, and other structural glass installations.
The sealant’s ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, including UV exposure, ensures long-term performance and aesthetics in high-visibility projects.
Professionals prioritizing a sleek finish and strong weatherproofing capabilities in their glass and metal installations will find DOWSIL 795 the best fit for their requirements.